Cambodia revives 1,000-year-old Dancing Siva statue after five-year restoration

SIEM REAP, Mar. 19, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has unveiled the restored 1,000-year-old Dancing Siva statue, marking a major milestone in the preservation of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

The sculpture, originating from Koh Ker’s Prasat Krahom and dating back to the 10th century, stands nearly five meters tall and is considered one of the largest and most remarkable works in Southeast Asia.

The restoration, which took more than five years, was carried out by experts from the Preah Vihear National Authority and the École française d’Extrême-Orient, in collaboration with the APSARA National Authority and supported by the ALIPH Foundation.

Shattered into more than 10,000 fragments during looting and conflict in Cambodia’s civil war, the statue was recovered in 2012. Specialists have since documented, analyzed and reassembled it using internationally recognized conservation methods.

Currently housed at Angkor Conservation in Siem Reap, the nine-ton sandstone figure was officially unveiled at a ceremony attended by Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona.

Renowned for its dynamic depiction of Siva’s cosmic dance, the statue showcases the artistic and technical achievements of the Khmer Empire. Officials said the restoration not only revives a masterpiece of ancient art but also reinforces Cambodia’s cultural identity and historical continuity.

The government expressed hope the statue will eventually return to its original site at Koh Ker, serving both as a sacred symbol and a cultural tourism attraction. Experts hailed the project as a landmark achievement, reflecting Cambodia’s growing expertise in heritage conservation and its commitment to safeguarding treasures for future generations.